Balotelli has eye surgery

Mario Balotelli will be out of action "for around 10 days" after undergoing laser eye surgery to cure his conjunctivitis and short-sightedness.

Mario Balotelli will be out of action "for around 10 days" after undergoing laser eye surgery to cure his conjunctivitis and short-sightedness.

The Manchester City striker was ruled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Malta so he could have the operation.

SuperMario has been suffering from bouts of recurring conjunctivitis worsened by the use of contact lenses.

As a result, Balotelli decided to sort the problem out once and for all by undergoing laser eye surgery to correct his vision on Monday.

“He had a few problems with contact lenses some years ago,” surgeon EmanueleScuri told Sky Sport Italia after performing the operation in Brescia.

“We waited for the defect to stabilise over the last four years and this was the right time to have the operation. His eyes did not tolerate the contact lenses and had problems at the start of the season.

“I think in around 10 days he should be ready to play again. Already this morning he asked if he could drive and I suggested he should get a lift until Thursday.

“We brought the operation forward by a day to avoid paparazzi. This surgery will enable Balotelli to see very well.”

He hopes to be back in action for City’s match with Stoke on September 15, but more likely the Champions League opener against Real Madrid three days later.

The surgeon was also asked whether the laser pens some fans use in stadiums can cause lasting damage to players.

“They only irritate and are less dangerous than any laser show you see when out clubbing.”